Kanto Region

Statistics

General Information

Kanto region is Japan’s most populated and most visited region. It has a population of approximately 42 million and consists of seven prefectures: Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, and Tokyo. Kanto itself is often divided into two sub-regions called Kita Kanto (North Kanto) and Minami Kanto (South Kanto). Sometimes, Kanto is divided in another sub-region, Higashi Kanto (East Kanto) and Nishi Kanto (West Kanto). Consisting of Japan’s capital Tokyo and Japan’s second largest city Yokohama, it is no surprise that Kanto is Japan’s most populated region. Each prefecture in the Kanto region has multiple very popular tourist destinations. Tokyo has an excellent mix of new and old featuring the newest fashion as well as historically significant temples and shrines.

Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is located in the Kanto region and is known for its several UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites in the city of Nikko. Its most famous tourist spot is Toshogu, an extravagantly decorated shrine and the final resting place of shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture is located in the Kanto region and is one of the eight landlocked prefectures of Japan. Gunma is known for its numerous onsen or hot spring resorts including the famous Kusatsu Onsen and Manza Onsen.

Saitama Prefecture

Much of Saitama’s southeastern cities are considered Tokyo’s suburb, with the prefecture being a part of the Greater Tokyo Area. Saitama is mostly a residential area rather than a tourist destination but has several interesting places.

Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki is best known for Kairakuen, one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Ibaraki is also known for its natto, or fermented soybeans. Natto is often associated with Mito, a city in Ibaraki where natto was first mass produced.